Protest at Iowa Social Security Offices
Social Security Advocates Join Forces to Protest Budget Cuts, Proposed Cuts will Severely Impact Service to Public
WHAT: An informational picket at Social Security offices around the country
WHEN: 12:00 pm, Thursday, October 27, 2011
WHERE:
- Council Bluffs Social Security Office,
20 Arena Way -
Des Moines Social Security Field Operations, 455 SW 5th Street -
Dubuque Social Security Office, 1635 Associates Drive -
Waterloo Social Security Office, 3121 Greyhound Drive
WHO: American Federation of Government Employees Social Security employees
Alliance for Retired Americans
National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare
Strengthen Social Security Campaign
Thousands of American Federation of Government Employees Social Security employees, along with the Alliance for Retired Americans, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, and the Strengthen Social Security Campaign across the country are taking to the streets on October 27 at 12:00 p.m. to protest recent proposals from Congress that would cut the Social Security Administration's operational budget.
"Cutting Social Security's budget at a time that record baby boomers are seeking benefits is another example of bad Washington politics. These cuts will only punish Americans who count on Social Security and Medicare by adding to backlogs and limiting assistance for our seniors, the disabled and families that have lost a parent or spouse," explained Witold Skwierczynski, president of AFGE's Council of Field Operations Locals.
Congress has proposed reductions from $ 473 to 882 million from President Obama's budget request in SSA funding for 2012. FY 2011 current status, results from nearly $1 billion below the amount the President requested.
As a result of those cuts, SSA implemented an agency-wide hiring freeze with the exception of the hearings operations. This resulted in a loss of more than 3500 SSA and DDS (Disability Determination Service) State employees. More than 300 contact stations were closed, eliminating in-person services in many rural and remote sites. SSA indefinitely suspended mailing the Social Security statement, without advance notice to the public, eliminating an important link between young workers and the benefits they will receive when they retire.
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